July 5, 2021
Scripture: But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 ESV
Observation: Our author is not dismissive of the old covenant. Rather, he argues in this chapter that the new covenant foretold by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34) is superior (Hebrews 7:22). He reasons that because the stipulations of the old covenant were enacted in an earthly temple and required repeated sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins, they merely reflected a copy (shadow) of the ultimate reality of covenant worship in the heavenly realm (verse 5).
Takeaway: So what are the better promises? As Jeremiah and our author cite, the law will be written on our hearts. How? The initiator is the Father. The means is the Son, our mediator who has completed all stipulations of the covenant and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of majesty in heaven (verse 1). The facilitator is the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us (2 Timothy 1:14). The method is with indelible ink. While the nation of Israel repeatedly lost track of the written law and strayed far from God, our gracious and glorious High Priest is completing his good work in us (Philippians 1:6) through our Helper who is teaching and bringing to remembrance all things concerning our Gospel of Grace (John 14:26).
Prayer: Father God, thank you for writing your New Covenant on our hearts in indelible ink through the sacrifice of your Son and the sanctifying work of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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